Leon Hunt & Daily Planet

Mike Cosgrave

Keyboard player Mike (who also plays guitar and a bit of trumpet, but not in this band as yet) has had a varied and haphazard musical career to date, principally with renowned Celtic/World music crossover band Siné, who have worked in situations as diverse as a collaboration with dance group the Jiving Lindyhoppers, performed at New York's Lincoln Center (which Mike MD'd), the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London's City Hall (Ken Livingstone's gaff), parties for Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance show and for Pierce Brosnan's birthday (where he ended up jamming with Van Morrison and Pink Floyd's Nick Mason on a couple of Van's classics), and numerous festivals including Celtic Connections, Sidmouth, and Rudolstadt. Siné's fearless exploration of music from all around the world with elements of improvisation provided an ideal setting for Mike's versatility and gave him the opportunity to work alongside leading lights of the British jazz scene such as saxophonist Mark Lockheart and bassist Alec Dankworth, most notably on their Wicklow/BMG album Deep Water Dropoff. Mike has also recorded and toured extensively since 1997 with 'Celtic Soul' singer/songwriter/guitarist Jackie Leven, a working relationship which has also involved collaborations with alternative rock innovator David Thomas of Pere Ubu and, bizarrely enough, novelist Ian Rankin, as well as appearances at the Napa Valley Wine auction supporting Lyle Lovett. Mike also played on the critically acclaimed Jackie-produced album 'A Decent Man' by alt. country singer/songwriter Michael Weston King and toured the record in Britain (including Glastonbury festival) and in Europe, notably at the Glitterhouse records 'Orange Blossom Special' festival in Germany. Mike was delighted to be invited to join Daily Planet, where he fills a much needed void.